Our Birds are back at the Yard tonight following a 4-5 west coast swing, taking on the Angels in the final series before the All-Star break. There are some great giveaways this weekend, and the team is in first place, so get down there and fill OPACY!
Linky linky time.
Players Have Statistics, So Why Not Fans?
In his weekly MASN guest post, Roar from 34’s Matt Taylor came up with some great new stats by which to measure fans, including wRC+ (Wise Remarks Created plus), wOBA (Weighted Online Bashing Avoided), and FIP (Frustration Independent of Performance). A truly wonderful blog that had me laughing out loud several times. High five, Matt. I promise to try to work on my BABIP.
Dylan Bundy Has Become Untradeable
For years, we’ve heard Dylan Bundy’s name come up when folks discuss the Orioles’ potential trade deadline moves – much to my chagrin. Fortunately, as Josh Sadlock points out at Baseball Essential, Bundy’s recent performance has very likely made him a chip that the O’s wouldn’t even consider moving.
The 2017 Baltimore Orioles Rotation
Speaking of Bundy, he is certainly a candidate for the 2017 rotation – if not the 2016 one, if you believe some of the smoke signals emanating from the Warehouse lately. Chris Stoner takes a long look at what the ’17 rotation could look like over at Baltimore Sports and Life. Regardless of who else joins him, it would certainly look a whole lot better if Kevin Gausman could figure this pitching thing out a little better.
MLB Rumor Central: Could Orioles Pursue Jonathon Niese?
I mean, it might be nice to have a lefty, but…mehhhhhhh.
Defending Champ Todd Frazier, Leader Mark Trumbo Lead Home Run Derby Field
Mark Trumbo will be the fourth Oriole in four years to participate in the Home Run Derby (2013 – Chris Davis, 2014 – Adam Jones, 2015 – Manny Machado). The Birds lead MLB in dingers over the past half-decade or so, so it’s only fitting that they have a participant in the Derby every season. Good luck, Mark!
And in Ravens news…
Newsome Likely to Add New Players
The Ravens find themselves in quite the odd situation as training camp approaches – the situation of having double-digit (12.25 M) salary cap space to work with. RSR’s Tony Lombardi thinks that Oz will look to use that money to upgrade the positions of inside linebacker and offensive tackle.
